• Two Travellers in the Place Vendome Cover
      by LovelyMay In a scene that blends solemnity with a touch of surreal majesty, a procession advances slowly along the road to Longwood, bearing the weight of an unusual cargo. The carriers, sixteen strong and neutral Chinamen, bear aloft four coffins destined for a singularly small but significant figure, with one coffin humorously repurposed from Captain Bennett's dining table. This moment, marked by a guttural call and the soft fall of feet upon the dusty road, evokes an atmosphere of regal reverence tinged with the…
    • Chapter

      Towns in Colour

      Towns in Colour Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter from "Men, Women, and Ghosts," the narrative is an evocative journey through both metaphorical and literal landscapes, rich in visual and auditory imagery. The journey begins in the solemn ambiance of a church, where the heavy drone of the organ and the chant of priests during a requiem create a somber mood. The scene is painted with vivid description, focusing on the sounds and sights: the organ's growls, the priests' Latin chants, the swing of censers, and the flicker of candles amidst…
    • The Wandering Jew Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Wandering Jew," Edwin Arlington Robinson presents a profound interaction with a timeless figure, embodying the endless journey and the accumulation of ancient wisdom and sorrow. The narrator immediately recognizes the enduring character through his eyes, which hold the essence of centuries, an eternal witness to the world's evolving face yet constant in its core loneliness. This encounter in New York, a city emblematic of modernity, provides a stark canvas for the timeless wanderer, suggesting a…
    • The Valley of the Shadow Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Valley of the Shadow," Edwin Arlington Robinson explores a metaphorical realm inhabited by individuals who have experienced profound loss, disappointment, and unfulfilled desires. This somber valley serves as a poignant representation of human suffering and existential angst. The inhabitants of this valley are a diverse group, each bearing the weight of their unique adversities. From those grappling with the remnants of grief and fear to the individuals confronting the harsh realities of unmet…
    • THE TOURNAY OF THE HEROES Cover
      by LovelyMay In the vividly depicted Tournay of the Heroes, the call to arms echoes through the realm, summoning an assembly of valiant knights ready to joust in a grand tournament that pits the legends of old Romance against characters from modern fiction. The lists are prepared, and the air is charged with anticipation as combatants on both sides are introduced with grandeur and historical reverence. Leading the charge for the champions of Romance, Roland of Roncesvaux and Wilfred of Ivanhoe take their honored…
    • The Three Taverns Cover
      by LovelyMay The Three Taverns by Edwin Arlington Robinson is a poignant collection of poems that delves into themes of human longing, spiritual reflection, and the complexities of life. Published in 1920, the work showcases Robinson's masterful use of language and form to explore profound questions about existence, faith, and the human condition. With a blend of dramatic monologues and lyrical verse, the collection reflects Robinson's distinctive voice and his ability to capture the subtleties of emotion and thought, making it a timeless contribution to American poetry.
    • The Three Taverns Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Three Taverns," a poem from his collection, Edwin Arlington Robinson explores themes of faith, destiny, perseverance, and the human condition through the monologue of a determined and introspective speaker, presumed to be Paul the Apostle, who reflects on his journey and impending trials as he approaches Rome. As he confronts the reality of his fate and the possibility of martyrdom, Paul contemplates the nature of faith, the challenge of sharing the transformative message of Christianity amidst…
    • The Tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay The Tale of Balen by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a poetic retelling of the tragic Arthurian legend of Sir Balin, a knight whose life is marked by loyalty, courage, and a fateful destiny. First published in 1896, the poem follows Sir Balin’s quest for honor and his encounters with themes of fate, vengeance, and the consequences of his actions. Swinburne's vivid, lyrical verse captures the medieval atmosphere of King Arthur's court while delving into the hero’s inner conflict and moral struggles. This work highlights Swinburne’s fascination with chivalric ideals and the tragic beauty of knightly legends, bringing to life one of the darker tales from Arthurian mythology.
    • Chapter

      The Scoffer

      The Scoffer Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Scoffer," a reflective poem, the speaker initially imagines himself scoffing at historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Robert Fulton during their times of innovation. He depicts a scene where, had he lived in Franklin's era, he would have mockingly observed Franklin experimenting with electricity by flying a kite in the rain, a key attached to its tail, dismissing him as insane. Similarly, the speaker admits he might have been among those ridiculing Fulton, doubting the feasibility of…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • The Red Lacquer Music-Stand Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter from "Men, Women, and Ghosts," a boy experiencing a profound sense of joy and wonder is depicted as he observes the transformation of his surroundings at dawn. The early moments are described vividly, likening the changing light to aggressive, yet beautiful movements of an unseen creature, with "sharp golden claws" and a "vermilion tongue," which eventually calms down to a "still, faint outline obliterate in shade." This transition captures not only the beauty of dawn but also the boy's…
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